Quality award for Drum Manor Forest Park

By Donal Magner

The Forest Service, Northern Ireland was presented with a quality award for their walks in Drum Manor Forest Park at a recent event held by Cookstown District Council.

Accepting the award, John Millmore acknowledged the work carried out by his staff, and in particular, the forest ranger Sean Laird. He explained that the Forest Service had developed a new signage strategy in 2005, which was designed to improve trail information and access for visitors, including people with special needs.

He added that the Forest Service had worked closely with the Environment and Heritage Service, who had provided information on the history of the area. "This information has been integrated into Forest Service plans, and some of the historic vistas from the early 1900s have already been opened up for users of the park,'' he said.

Presenting the Award, Ian McCrea, chairman, Cookstown District Council said that the Council was keen to work in partnership with the Forest Service to maintain and extend the recreation and social benefits of forests within the District Council area.

The Quality Walk Award is accredited by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, the Countryside Access and Activities Network along with the Environment and Heritage Service.